Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has revealed that he is "sure" that he will eventually return to his boyhood club West Ham United.
Cole, who came through the Hammers academy and made 150 appearances for the club before joining Chelsea in 2003, was back at the club this week to give advice to the current youth crop.
The 33-year-old spent another 18 months at Upton Park before joining Villa in June 2014, and he told the Irons' official website that he will forever consider himself part of the family at the club.
"It was great to see all the old faces and see some old friends," he said.
"Once you play for West Ham you are always part of the family and I am sure that I will be back one day in some capacity."
The midfielder is reportedly looking to move into coaching when he retires from playing the game and has taken short coaching sessions at West Ham's academy. He recently passed his UEFA B licence.
Tom Nightingale
